Material created by Americans could make solar cells cheaper

They are natural, inexhaustible, clean, strengthen the economy and can generate millions of jobs. There are many benefits for those who use renewable energy. But how can we have cheaper chemical elements in the production of solutions of this type?

With this in mind, American researchers developed a compound based on zirconium, found in large quantities in nature, which can make solar cells cheaper and used in the manufacture of photovoltaic panels. The novelty was presented in the latest edition of the journal Nature Chemistry.

According to Carsten Milsmann, one of the study's authors and a researcher at West Virginia University, zirconium is stable in a variety of conditions, such as air, water and temperature changes, making it easier to work in diverse environments.

“As the compound can convert light into electrical energy, it could be used to create more efficient solar panels,” says the scientist.

Sensitive to dyes

Another point highlighted by the researchers is the search for materials that are more sensitive to dyes. Because of this characteristic, colored molecules can collect light and function even in low light conditions.

“The problem with most solar panels is that they don't work well on cloudy days. They are quite efficient, cheap and have a long lifespan, but they need intense light conditions to work efficiently”, explains Milsmann.

So far, dyes only work on ruthenium, but the new compound has the potential to replace it. “With this material, we can make dye-sensitive versions, in which a colored compound absorbs light to produce electricity in any weather condition. In the future, we will be able to design buildings that produce energy, transforming the facade of buildings and including all windows into an energy plant”, estimates the researcher.